World Religions

Introduction to World Religions Study Guide Kohen is a priest and a patrilineal descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses. In the Temple, the kohanimwere charged with performing the sacrifices. Today, a Kohen is the first person called up for the reading of the Torah, performs the Priestly Blessing, and complies with other unique laws and ceremonies. They also participate in the Redemption of the Firstborn Ceremony, the ritual of Pidyon Ha-Ben, which celebrates that the first-born child is the best and the best things belong to God. Levi (Levite) is the patrilineal descendant of the Tribe of Levi and son of Jacob. Levites sang Psalms in the Temple of Jerusalem. Levites performed construction, maintenance, janitorial, and guard duties. They also assisted priests and sometimes interpreted Jewish Laws for the public. Today, a Levite is called up to give the second reading. Prayer Leaders From the Mishnah and the Talmud to the present, Judaism has required specialists for the practice of some rituals. A Jew can fulfil their own prayers by themselves, but for the reading of the Torah and haftarah, a prayer for mourners, blessings for a bride and groom, and the complete grace after meals, a minyan is required. The professionals in the clergy are: • The rabbi of a congregation is a Jewish scholar who is charged with answering the legal questions of a congregation. The role requires the ordination by the congregations preferred authority like a respected Orthodox rabbi, or a Conservative or Reform from academic seminaries. Some congregations do not require a rabbi. Some have a rabbi, but allowmembers to act as shatz or baal kriyah. • Hazzan (note: the “h” denotes a voiceless pharyngeal fricative) (Cantor) is a trained vocalist who acts as a shatz. This person is chosen for their good voice and knowledge of the prayers and sincerity in reciting them. 6.6 Hasidism Hasidic Judaism was founded by Yisroel ben Eliezer (1700-1760). It was founded during a time of persecution of the Jewish people. European Jews had turned inward to Talmud study and many were concerned Jewish life had become too academic. They wanted emphasis on spirituality and joy. Ben Eliezer’s disciples attracted many followers; in fact, numerous Hasidic sects were established in Europe. This way became the life for many Jews. Waves of Jewish immigration into the 1880s carried it to the United States. There was a serious schism between Hasidic and non-Hasidic Jews: those who had rejected the Hasidic movement were dubbed as Misnagdim (opponents). Hasidic worship had untraditional ascriptions of infallibility and alleged miracle-workings to their leaders. There was concern it might become a messianic sect. Today, both groups are part of the Haredi Judaism. ©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 56 of 96